TRADITIONAL ECOLOGICAL KNOWLEDGE FOR SUSTAINABLE LIVELIHOOD AMONG THE INDIGENOUS COMMUNITIES IN MALAYSIA AND INDONESIA

Authors

  • Badli Esham Ahmad Academy of Language Studies, Universiti Teknologi MARA Pahang, Institute of Biodiversity and Sustainable Development, Universiti Teknolgi MARA
  • Muhammad Fuad Abdullah Institute of Biodiversity and Sustainable Development, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Shah Alam
  • Mohd Nazip Suratman Fakulti Sains Gunaan, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Shah Alam
  • Zulkiflee Abd Latif Kolej Alam Bina, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Shah Alam
  • Seca Gandaseca Fakulti Sains Gunaan, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Shah Alam
  • Cecep Eka Permana Fakultas Ilmu Pengetahuan Budaya, Universitas Indonesia, Depok, Indonesia
  • Linda Sunarti Fakultas Ilmu Pengetahuan Budaya, Universitas Indonesia, Depok, Indonesia
  • Turita Indah Setyani Fakultas Ilmu Pengetahuan Budaya, Universitas Indonesia, Depok, Indonesia
  • Mohd Amli Abdullah Faculty of Business & Management, Universiti Teknologi MARA Cawangan Pahang, Pahang
  • Mohd Rozaidi Ismail Academy of Language Studies, Universiti Teknologi MARA Cawangan Pahang, Pahang

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.22452/jati.vol30no1.6

Keywords:

Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK), indigenous communities, livelihood, sustainability, Baduy, Batek

Abstract

Indigenous communities maintain a profound relationship with the natural world, rooted in a deep understanding of ecological systems and guided by generations of Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK). This knowledge is central to cultural identity and continuity and offers practical frameworks for sustainable living and biodiversity conservation. As modern development and environmental degradation intensify, recognising the role of TEK in shaping resilient, sustainable communities has become increasingly important. This study explores how TEK informs and sustains the livelihoods of two indigenous groups: the Baduy tribe of Indonesia and the Batek tribe of Malaysia. The purpose of the study is to examine the ways in which these communities apply TEK in daily practices and how they respond to the pressures of modernisation while striving to maintain cultural integrity. Using a qualitative phenomenological approach, data were collected through semi-structured interviews and non-participant observations with five key informants from both communities. The findings reveal that both groups rely heavily on TEK in areas such as agriculture, health, education, and governance. However, they differ in their levels of adaptation—while the Baduy remain largely resistant to external influences, the Batek exhibit selective engagement with modern systems such as schooling and healthcare. The study concludes that TEK is essential to indigenous resilience and should be actively integrated into national sustainability and development strategies, with respect for local customs and governance structures.

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Published

2024-06-30

Issue

Vol. 30 No. 1 (2025): JATI-Journal of Southeast Asian Studies

Section

Articles

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